The OW Astrochron story began in Zurich nearly 60 years ago, amidst history’s most ambitious era of exploration.
The race to go faster, further and deeper had the world poised at the edge of several new frontiers, the most notable being outer space. The astral realm represented the ultimate in exploration and inspired the name of the famous Ollech & Wajs 1967 triple-register chronograph (above left). Indeed, NASA’s most prestigious scientists would be among the elite professionals that used the Astrochron’s various dials and scales.
Only a chronograph of outstanding quality would be worthy of continuing the Astrochron legacy, and the new version endeavours to ensure this new interpretation is equal to the challenge. With a water resistance of 50ATM (500 m), the new model more than doubles the depth rating of the original and far exceeds the Swiss chronograph standard. Other updates include a 360-degree rotating compass bezel and a 20-minute diver’s scale. As a final tribute to the original model, the new chronograph revives the distinctive North Atlantic blue dial of 1968 (below).
Inside the brushed 316L stainless steel case is a descendant of the historic Valjoux 72 movement that powered the first Astrochrons. At the manufacture in the Swiss Jura, a custom-engraved automatic Valjoux 7753 – with an OW-machined rotor set onto it (below) – is regulated, adjusted and power-tested in five positions, thereby qualifying it for the OW Precision rating.
The OW Astrochron S is presented on the OW S-type Mark II bracelet, inspired by those found on many Ollech & Wajs models of the 1960s. Its links are individually machined in a solid block of 316L stainless steel, before being carefully brushed, assembled and screwed by hand, which prevents the usual stretching common among pressed steel bracelets, ensuring both longevity and comfort to the wearer.
Whether you’re exploring a wreck, exploring a theory or just gazing up at the stars and exploring new possibilities, the new OW Astrochron could well be the perfect all-round chronograph.
OW Astrochron S On The Wrist
The OW Astrochron S is extremely comfortable to wear. The North Atlantic blue dial is well laid out and has excellent legibility. The 39mm case is well finished in brushed 316L stainless steel and at 16.8mm is robust but still easily fits under the sleeve. The Automatic Valjoux 7753 OW PRECISION, 5 position adjusted with 27 Jewels movement inside, is always accurate. The 360-degree rotating compass bezel and a 20-minute diver’s scale adds a retro feel.
The stainless steel case back is beautifully engraved with the OW logo and ZURICH 1956 marking when the brand was originally launched. As always, it would have been a bonus to see the movement through a sapphire crystal case back, but given its waterproof to 50ATM (500m) it’s best to retain the stainless steel back. The ‘S’ version of the watch comes on the OW S-type Mark II bracelet, inspired by those found on many of the early original Ollech & Wajs models. You can clearly see that the links are individually machined, and carefully brushed, ensuring great comfort.
The warranty, should you ever need it, covers against any manufacturing defect for three years, which is generous. Overall I was extremely impressed with the OW Astrochron S which at just over £2,200 represents excellent value indeed.
Technical Specifications:
Year
2023
Dimensions
39 mm X 16.8 mm
Case
Brushed 316L stainless steel, screwed back, screw-down crown, twin pushers with 4 gaskets. Date adjusted by special diving pusher at 10 o’clock. Rotating 360-degree compass bezel with cardinal direction markers and an angle scale / two tone 60 mn bezel with 20 mn diver’s scale. Manufactured in Jura, Switzerland.
Glass
Semi-domed sapphire with anti-glare treatment
Dial
Hands and indexes in Super-LumiNova® A seconds register, a 12 hour totalizer, and 30 minute totalizer incorporating a Regatta counter.
Water resistance
500m/ 50 atm
Movement
Automatic Valjoux 7753 OW PRECISION 5 position adjusted, 27 Jewels. 28,800 bph, with a power reserve of +/- 54 h. Mainplate engraved Ollech & Wajs Zurich 1956, and OW machined rotor
S bracelet
20 mm 316L stainless steel beads-of-rice OW S-type Mark II, with double-lock deployant clasp
Perlon band
20 mm hand-crafted, premium-quality Perlon ‘Regatta’ band, woven in Slovenia, hand-finished in Switzerland, with a brushed stainless steel thorn buckle, signed ‘OWZ 1956’
Origin
Swiss made
Price
S bracelet: £2,262.10
Perlon band: £2,135.22
For more information please visit Ollech & Wajs